Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 17) – The transport regulator on Monday warned of possible penalties on jeepney drivers who will join the three-day strike beginning July 24.
\”Definitely there will be sanctions,\” LTFRB Chairman Teofilo Guadiz III told CNN Philippines’ The Source.
Transport group Manibela said last week it will hold a strike beginning July 24 to coincide with the State of the Nation Address. The transport group will protest the government’s public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program and its alleged failures to address the sector’s needs.
Speaking to CNN Philippines on Sunday, Manibela Chairman Mar Valbuena said the group expects up to 50,000 drivers and operators from Metro Manila to join.
Guadiz said he was surprised with the planned strike as the agency just had a meeting with Manibela about its concerns.
He downplayed the possible number of participants which may only reach up to 2,000 based on the last protest the group in March. A small number of drivers may also join in Calabarzon, he added.
Guadiz said those planning to join the strike should think twice or face suspension or revocation of franchise following due process.
Early this year, Manibela and PISTON held a strike also against the PUV modernization program. It ended after a dialogue with Marcos.
Guadiz said the same areas affected during the last strike will be hit by this planned \”tigil pasada,\” including up to three significant routes in Quezon City like the Balintawak route.
He said the agency tapped the Philippine National Police to help maintain peace and order.
\”I’m calling Manibela to come back to the negotiating table,\” he told the group. \”There is nothing that we cannot agree on if we are on the negotiating table.\”
PISTON President Mody Floranda said his group will also join the transport strike next week.
During a separate protest on Monday, PISTON urged the government to scrap the guidelines of the PUV modernization program, among others.
Floranda also personally filed the group’s appeal to the Office the President.
